Bruce/Zhanyi Liao
1. Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your background.
I'm Bruce Liao, and I hail from the vibrant island. My journey began in electronic engineering, where I spent years immersed in the intricacies of technology and innovation. However, life has its twists and turns, and mine took a significant turn when I stumbled upon mindfulness and meditation practices. This discovery was a personal awakening and a professional turning point, leading me to join Aqive, a pioneering company at the intersection of technology and wellness. At Aqive, we are committed to harnessing the power of technology to enhance mental and physical well-being, a mission that resonates deeply with my own transformative experience. My background in electronic engineering and passion for holistic health drives me to innovate and design products that bridge the gap between science and spirituality, aiming to make a meaningful impact on people's lives.
2. What made you become/why did you choose to become a product designer?
I became a product designer because of my curiosity and the realization of the impact that well-designed products can have on individuals' lives. As an electronic engineer, I wanted to address human needs on a deeper level. My fascination with technology's potential to improve mental and emotional well-being led me to join Aqive, a company at the forefront of integrating technology with wellness. I have a passion for designing products that are technologically advanced and deeply resonant on a personal level, promoting health, happiness, and mindfulness.
3. Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.
Aqive, the world's first brand specializing in torsion field technology, is inspired by Dr. Lee Si-Chen 's research. Our mission is to provide tools that seamlessly integrate into everyday life, providing peace of mind and a reminder to stay focused. We aim to support individuals in achieving internal stability, providing a sense of security and mindfulness in a world full of anxiety. As CEO, I focus on combining scientific insight with user-friendly design, creating products that offer practical benefits and promote a journey to inner peace.
4. What does “design” mean to you?
Design, to me, is a form of communication beyond words, a path to resonance and emotional connection.
5. To you, what makes a “good” design?
"A 'good' design, to me, establishes an emotional connection. It's about creating something that resonates deeply with people, touching their hearts and leaving a lasting impression.
6. Describe your design style and its main characteristics.
My design style is centered on relaxation, tranquility, and portability, as exemplified by our award-winning Qi Ease product. We prioritize ease of transport and tactile comfort, embodying these qualities through rounded shapes, streamlined forms, and a sense of energetic flow. The overall design reflects harmony with the natural movement of energy, guided by Nikola Tesla's famous adage on the meaning of the numbers 3, 6, and 9, which are intricately woven into our design elements. This approach creates products that are functional, deeply resonant, and aesthetically pleasing, offering a seamless blend of science, art, and spirituality.
7. Tell us about your design process.
The design process begins with a deep understanding of user needs and lifestyles, which involves extensive market research and user interviews. From these insights, I form preliminary design concepts, which are then refined through brainstorming and feedback sessions with the team. Moving into the prototyping phase, we create functional models to test and refine the design. This phase may iterate several times until the product meets our functional and aesthetic standards. Finally, we finalize the materials and manufacturing processes, preparing for mass production.
8. Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?
I believe my country's cultural heritage has a significant impact on my design process. My country is a society that embraces multicultural influences, and this diversity fuels my creative thinking and innovation in design. For example, traditional Taiwanese values emphasize harmony and balance, which I strive to reflect in my product designs, creating aesthetically pleasing yet practical designs that harmonize with users' daily lives.
9. Congratulations! As the winner of the 2024 NY Product Design Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
Winning the 2024 NY Product Design Awards is a tremendous honor and validation for me personally, as well as for the Aqive team. This award not only proves that our efforts in product design and innovation are successful, but it also strengthens our image as pioneers in the industry. For the team, it represents recognition of their hard work and creative commitment, further motivating us to continue advancing the integration of technology and wellness.
10. Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 NY Product Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
The work we submitted to the NY Product Design Awards 2024 was Qi Ease, a portable device designed to promote relaxation and stress reduction. We chose to enter this project because it fully embodies Aqive's core philosophy
11. What was the biggest challenge with this project?
The biggest challenge with this project was integrating torsion field technology into a compact, portable device while maintaining the efficacy of the device and the comfort of the user. We had to ensure the effectiveness of the technology and also achieve an aesthetic and practical design, which required close collaboration and continuous innovative thinking between the technical and design teams.
12. How has winning an award developed your practice/career?
Winning this award has significantly advanced my career and practice. It not only increased our brand's visibility and market recognition but also opened up opportunities for collaboration with other industry leaders and innovators. This honor validates our innovative capabilities and design prowess, enabling us to attract more clients and investors, further driving our business growth and technological innovation.
